2026 Warlick Summer Camp Specialist

Under the supervision of the Program Director and/or Camp Coordinator and consistent with the Gaston County Family YMCA Christian Mission, the Summer Camp Specialist is responsible for leading and building relationships with a group of children, while developing summer programming that is fun, culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and safe. They provide a quality experience to children and parents with a focus on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. A Summer Camp Specialist strengthens their professional, interpersonal and management skills through daily responsibilities of the job.

The Summer Camp Specialist serves as a leader, educator, counselor, and role model who will participate in the planning and implementation of their content area as a part of the larger program for summer camp. The Specialist will represent YMCA Camp Tuscarora in a positive, professional manner, resulting in a creative, challenging and enjoyable camp experience for all.

Specialty Camps include: Flag Football, Soccer, Basketball, Cheer, Creative Arts, Slimy Science, Dance and Lego Building.

The Summer Camp Specialist are generally expected to be 19 years of age, though exceptions may be considered. 
Must have completed one year of college or previously employed at a residential camp or in a similar setting.

Minimum of 1 year of experience creating, teaching and implementing the content from their activity area in the field is required. Coursework and/or previous experience in Childhood Education, child care, or a related field is preferred. 

The Summer Camp Specialist must possess youth leadership experience, have excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrate a positive, cooperative attitude, and the ability to work with and understand the needs of children. An appreciation of nature, outdoor living, and camping are essential. 

The position may require the physical ability to: 

• lead walks of a mile or more
• lift up to 50 lbs. 
• be able to push, pull, hold, handle, or drag equipment up to 60 lbs. 
• bend, squat, and kneel frequently 

Must also have the physical ability to lead and participate in camp activities which include, but are not limited to: 

• canoeing, building campfires, swimming, team building exercises, physical games and activities. 
• Must be able to work in 80-100 degree weather.

Required Certifications

Current First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications.

Essential Functions

• Participate in staff training, meetings, family programs, camp activities 
• Complete and submit daily attendance records for campers scheduled in your program area
• Report all accidents and injuries to the Program Director, and complete accident/incident reports
• Create, plan and implement activities in your Specialty Area that are new, developmentally appropriate, and within camp objectives for all scheduled groups
• Create lesson plans and curriculum for each week in your specific activity area. Have plans ready prior to the week of implementation, and communicate effectively with counselors on how to assist you when teaching them
• Assist camp directors with coordinating all activities and supplies, and other specialty programming
• Assist in maintaining a balanced budget for camp by monitoring supply inventory, forecasting future needs, and providing a detailed list for purchasing supplies. Submit in a timely manner to the Program Director
• Communicate professionally with campers and their families. Respond professionally to parents questions and concerns in a timely fashion
• Work as a team member and utilize other staff members to assist when necessary
• Mentor and help guide Counselors/Camp volunteers to have a deeper understanding of leadership and counseling skills
• Responsible for the health and safety of all campers at all times
• Know and follow correct camp procedures. Assist campers with emotional adjustments, personal growth, and teach respect toward others
• Enthusiastically participate in all camp activities and motivate campers to participate in programs to their greatest ability
• Increase and promote the campers’ understanding of the YMCA core values of Respect, Honesty, Responsibility, and Caring
• Responsible for maintaining the quality of supplies, equipment, and materials. Promptly notify the Program Director of unsafe/hazardous conditions or equipment which needs maintenance or repair
• Manage personal time off in accordance with camp schedule and policy.  Log all your shifts in a timely and accurate manner
• Increase campers and staff understanding of the natural environment and their responsibility to it. Encourage respect for personal property, camp equipment, and facilities
• Maintain a clean, organized program area. Collaborate with camp staff to ensure the entire camp facility is neat, clean, safe, and orderly
• Follow standards (safety and programming) set forth by The Gaston County YMCA and the camp directors
• Actively engage and interact with the campers during snack and lunch time periods
• Provide a positive and authoritative approach to guiding behavior using age-appropriate limits and choices
• Uphold and exemplify the YMCA staff code of conduct

Child Abuse Prevention Functions:

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers
• Attend/complete required abuse risk management training before working with consumers and on an annual basis
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers
• Follow mandated reporting requirements
• Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities
• Consistently follow safety procedures during instruction, transitions, and emergencies

Our Culture: 

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: (skills to be developed while working as a YMCA employee)

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Salary : $11 - $13